Laser Stretch Mark Removal

Stretch marks are caused by various factors such as growth spurts, changes in weight and particularly pregnancy, and many people can live quite happily with them.

Others though struggle with them, as the scars to their skin cause them anxiety and leave them feeling self-conscious. Often they’ll choose to purposely ensure the affected area is always covered by clothing.

Stretch marks aren’t something you just have to live with forever, however, if you hate them. Their appearance can be reduced and improved using laser treatment. Read on to find out more and if laser stretch mark removal could work for you…

Laser Stretch Mark Removal: What is it?

Laser therapy is an effective way of reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and indeed can make the marks almost completely disappear.

The treatment works by firing high-energy pulses of light from a laser. This light penetrates your skin and creates heat within the affected tissue. This raises skin cell metabolism which in turn then initiates the natural healing process, stimulating the growth of new healthy skin tissue. The end result is smoother and firmer skin.

Patients typically require at least three to four treatments, and sometimes as many as ten, for optimum results. Treatment is typically every 2 to 4 weeks.

The laser therapy can cause a little discomfort to patients, but requires no down time after the treatment, meaning you can go straight back to your daily activities.

Laser stretch mark removal can be performed on many parts of the body, including your stomach, bottom, hips, chest, breasts, arms and legs. It can be used to treat both new and old stretch marks, and is applicable for both men and women.

Expected Outcomes

While it’s important that your expectations about the results of laser stretch mark removal are realistic, laser therapy promises to improve the appearance of stretch marks by up to 75% or more. This can obviously dramatically help those who feel self-conscious about their scars, and give them back their body-confidence.

Of course, each patient’s case is unique and sometimes the visibility of the stretch marks may only be reduced rather than completely removed. Your doctor will advise you through consultation about the exact results you could expect to achieve in your particular case.

How Long Does It Last?

The results of laser stretch mark removal are permanent. That said, you can of course develop new stretch marks in the future, such as if your weight changes significantly or you become pregnant.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal Cost

If you’re thinking about undergoing treatment then obviously the cost of laser stretch mark removal is important. Ultimately, the cost will depend on the number of treatments you require and also the type of laser used.

The amount of laser stretch mark removal treatments you’ll need typically depends on the color and severity (the size and depth) of the stretch marks. Bigger stretch marks are obviously more difficult to remove than smaller ones, and will need more treatment and hence cost more. Similarly, white stretch marks are harder to treat than red or purple ones.

At many clinics, you can purchase a course of treatments for a slightly reduced price, rather than paying for each treatment individually. You should expect a single treatment of laser stretch mark removal to cost from $300 upwards, sometimes significantly more, but to get an accurate price you really need a consultation.

Possible Side Effects

As with most treatments, laser therapy comes with some risks of side effects. With the latest modern lasers, there’s typically no down time needed, but patients may suffer a little swelling and redness to the area up to three days to a week after the treatment.

There’s a small chance of infection to the area after treatment, so it’s important to follow after-care advice to ensure any infection is avoided.

Summary

Laser therapy can be a very effective way of reducing the appearance of stretch marks, leaving you feeling confident in the appearance of your skin and less restricted when it comes to fashion and clothing.

With no down time and little in the way of side effects, if you suffer from stretch marks that make you feel self-conscious then laser stretch mark removal treatment could be the ideal solution.

As always, you should consult with your doctor or surgeon first and discuss your medical history and what medications, if any, you’re currently taking. It’s important that you’re in good health before undergoing any cosmetic surgery, and that includes laser stretch mark removal.